"We hope that you've acquired the basic skills, reasoning, communication, problem solving, ethical judgement, teamwork, all those things which are required for any endeavor in this diverse and interconnected world," said university president Dr. John Ettling.

The theme of interconnection was woven through the ceremony's official remarks.

"Whether we gather to mourn the loss of one of our own or celebrate the achievements of others, we are a tightly woven community," said graduate and student speaker Kym Taylor, of Chazy, N.Y. She is a single mom of two and wants to become a teacher.

"The fibers we have woven here will make our community tapestry stronger. We have learned to be more compassionate, more awake, more responsible. It's our job to pay that forward," she said.